A mother's lullaby VIII -- end

The very next day…

Joaquin returned to her chamber, and Aries was still rocking herself in the rocking chair. She glanced at him when he sat down in front of her, noticing the trolley tray next to him that a maid she had never seen in the past brought with him. The maid said nothing as she bowed and left the two alone. 

"I brought you tea," he said the moment he heard the click of the door as it closed. 

Aries blinked and looked away slowly, setting them back to the window. From her peripheral, she could see Joaquin stand up and work on the tray, pouring a glass of tea in it. 

"I understand what you want," he spoke while filling up the teacup. "You want nothing from me anymore? You'd rather die than submit? Everything that happened… you will not give me a chance, right?"